Construction and materials industries

Mowlem rides into cowboy country

Article Abstract:

John Mowlem Construction Divisional Chairman Brian May suggests the new division will have a turnover of around 30 million pounds sterling in its first year. The domestic maintenance market is worth over 5.5 million pounds sterling per annum. May has been placed in charge of Skillbase which will provide 24 hour service to domestic customers. Skillbase will work on repairs and home improvement projects. Commercial Union intends to employ Skillbase to work on 70% of its repair work. Skillbase has 450 employees plus subcontractors. It has been suggested Skillbase will not be profitable.

Jury is out on benefits of partnering

Article Abstract:

The impact of partnering on UK construction companies remains unclear. Contractors are seeing rising margins, but it is not certain whether this is due to partnering or merely to increasing workloads. Partnering is still at a relatively early stage, and its true impact will not be seen for some time to come. Some observers believe that partnering is not a way of making money, and they also do not regard it as the only way to gain repeat business.